On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, former Smokey Mountain members Geneva Cruz and James Coronel visited the Manila Islamic Cemetery to commemorate the first death anniversary of OPM icon Freddie Aguilar.
The OPM legend passed away at the age of 72 in 2025 at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City due to multiple organ failure and complications from pneumonia.
Read: OPM icon Freddie Aguilar dead at 72
As they paid tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter behind "Anak," both artists reflected on his lasting impact—not just on Filipino music, but on their own personal journeys.
Although Geneva never had the chance to collaborate professionally with Freddie, she recalls crossing paths with him during the peak of their careers.
“No, I've seen him at awards nights back in the '90s when I was promoting ‘Anak Ng Pasig,’ and he was promoting ‘Pagbabalik Ng Himig,’” she shared in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) coursed through ALV Talent Circuit.
“I also talked to him on Messenger about music, being an artist, and politics, though I am very low-key about discussing politics because it creates division amongst people.”
Geneva also paid homage to the OPM icon through her performance on television: “I also copied him on Your Face Sounds Familiar and thought I did so well in it.”
For Geneva, one of Freddie’s most defining achievements was the global reach of his music.
“When different people in different languages sang 'Anak,' that was huge for Filipinos like me.”
FREDDIE AGUILAR'S OPM LEGACY
Both Geneva and James highlighted how Freddie’s songs—and those of Smokey Mountain's—resonated deeply because they tackled real-life issues and emotions.
“Yes, because our songs are relatable and give a voice to those who can't speak for themselves,” Geneva said. “We used our music to express what's in our hearts and used it as a platform of hope for all men.”
James added another layer to this, noting the specific audience that most connected with such music.
“Ka Freddie and Smokey Mountain songs resonated globally, but locally the songs were popular only with the poor masses, not the rich.”
Despite this, both artists agree that the sincerity and social relevance of Freddie’s work continue to define his legacy.
James, who shared more personal moments with Freddie, described him as a mentor and a guiding force.
“Ka Freddie and I never performed together professionally, but privately we sang together many times in his bar after closing hours, at his home and at my home,” he said.
"It was such an honor for me to host dinners for Ka Freddie at my home."
Beyond music, Freddie also influenced James’s outlook on life.
"He taught me how to trust my heart, not my head, in making important decisions. But above all, during the last decade of his life, he shared with me knowledge about Islam.
"It is largely because of Ka Freddie that today I am blessed with a deep appreciation of and respect for Islam."
LESSONS FOR TODAY'S ARTISTS
For the next generation of OPM singers, Geneva believes Freddie’s legacy lies in authenticity.
“To not fear what other people might say about your art and your life choices… to refrain from people pleasing and sing only songs that resonate with your beliefs and way of living.”
James echoed the importance of staying true to one’s path, even when recognition comes from unexpected places.
“Don’t be ashamed if you are respected more outside your homeland than inside.”
He also encouraged artists to continue using music as a vehicle for social reflection and healing.
“Local artists should touch the wounds of Filipino culture. Ka Freddie taught us that we can make beautiful music about healing bleeding hearts.”
As OPM continues to evolve, both artists underscore the importance of ensuring Freddie Aguilar’s music reaches new audiences.
“By playing his songs and possibly re-recording some of them, we could give them a new vibe that reaches more of the younger generation,” Geneva said.
“Keeping his music alive is keeping his legacy alive, and that's how his genius should be remembered.”
READ MORE: